COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources

Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (COVID-19), can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times.

Below are a number of resources that include some tips we hope will help you, your friends and your family to look after your mental health at a time when there is much discussion of potential threats to our physical health.

Government Websites and Helplines

Please use the websites to access COVID-19 information.

  • For COVID-19 health advice, go to the website first, self-registering can be done online: 0800 358 5453
  • For general health advice: 0800 611 116
  • To talk to a professional counsellor, free call or text: 1737
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA) online meetings
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) online meetings

Resources to support mental health and wellbeing

Tips for managing your own mental wellbeing (Ministry of Health NZ)
 - Media coverage or public discussion of COVID-19 may affect you. It’s normal to feel distressed and experience symptoms of stress in this time.

  1. Spend time in places that feel safe and comfortable as much as possible.
  2. Tell yourself that how you are feeling is a normal reaction and will pass – it is nothing to be afraid of.
  3. Reach out to your usual supports – family and whānau, friends and workmates. Sharing how we feel and offering support to others is important.
  4. Keep to usual routines – mealtimes, bedtime, exercise and so on.
  5. Keep active – going to work, doing usual leisure activities and seeing friends can improve general wellbeing and help distract from distressing feelings.

Resources to support whānau, families and children

Workforce Resources